How to design for healthcare websites

Introduction

Developing a website for the healthcare industry presents unique challenges when it comes to design. One of the main considerations is providing information in an easily understandable and accessible manner. Designers must also consider creating a user friendly experience and making sure the website is compatible with various devices and platforms. The following section will discuss how to design for healthcare websites.

Design for Digital Accessibility

When designing a website for the healthcare industry, it is essential to take into account the needs of users with disabilities or those who are elderly. This means including features such as large font sizes, high contrast colors, and audio descriptions. It is important to make sure web pages can be navigated using a keyboard and that alternative text is provided for images. The website should also be tested using automated tools to ensure it is accessible for all users.

Optimize for Mobile Devices

Many healthcare websites are accessed using mobile devices, so it is important to optimize for these platforms. This includes ensuring that the design is responsive and looks good on various screen sizes. Additionally, designers should consider how users interact with the website on a mobile device, such as making sure buttons and links are easy to use and the navigation is simple.

Include Clear Labels and Navigation

Healthcare information can be complicated, so it is important to include clear labels and navigation options on the website. This allows users to easily find the information they are looking for and understand how the website is organized. It is also important to ensure search functionality is included, so users can quickly locate the information they need.

Ensure Security

When designing a website for the healthcare industry, it is essential to prioritize security. This means taking measures such as using secure encryption protocols, implementing two-factor authentication, and ensuring that sensitive data is stored securely. Additionally, it is important to regularly monitor the website to ensure any potential security issues are addressed in a timely manner.

Designing for a Healthcare Website

Designing an effective healthcare website is a challenging task. It must be intuitive, informing patients about the provided services and also be easy-to-navigate. As healthcare customers increasingly turn to online sources for information, the website needs to provide comprehensive and up to date information. Its design should be engaging and patient-centric.

Choosing Colors and Fonts

When it comes to choosing the right colors and fonts for a healthcare website, it is important to consider the importance of trust. Patients will only trust the healthcare website when it appears professional and legitimate. To achieve this, designers must stay away from overly bright or busy colors, as they look unprofessional. Similarly, fonts play an important role in creating the right image. Most healthcare websites stick to traditional font styles such as Times New Roman, Arial or Verdana.

Usability and Accessibility

Usability, or the ease of use of an interface, is essential for a successful healthcare website. The primary purpose of usability is to make sure the user is not confused while navigating the site. The navigation should be organized and clearly labelled so that the user can quickly and easily find any information they are looking for. Additionally, accessibility should also be taken into consideration when designing the website. This means ensuring the website is intuitive and user-friendly for users with disabilities, such as colorblindness or limited mobility.

Content

In order to ensure the website meets the needs of the users, the content must be well written and comprehensive. Content should include descriptions about the healthcare provider’s services, maps to their locations, contact information, and an FAQ section. Additionally, a blog with regularly updated news can also be included to engage the reader. It is also important to create an easy-to-find feedback system which allows users to submit questions and offer feedback.

Mobile-Friendly Design

A mobile-friendly design has become increasingly essential, as smartphones and tablets have become more popular. The website should be designed with mobile devices in mind, as many users will access the website from their mobile devices. This means reducing the size of images, using larger font sizes for better readability, and utilizing thumb-friendly call-to-action buttons. The website should also be responsive, meaning it adjusts its layout automatically when accessed from different devices.

Visuals

The visuals used in a healthcare website can have a powerful effect on the user experience. It is important to convey the message quickly and effectively through visuals such as infographics, diagrams, illustrations, and videos. These can be used to explain complex medical information in a concise and engaging way. Additionally, visuals can help reinforce the website’s trustworthiness and professionalism. For example, the use of photographs featuring medical professionals wearing white coats can give the website a sense of authority.

Conclusion

Designing a successful healthcare website is not easy, but can be achieved through careful planning and an understanding of the target audience. By considering the key elements such as usability, content, visuals, mobile-friendliness, and trust, designers can create a website that meets the needs of patients and healthcare providers alike.

1. Use an easily navigable structure: A healthcare website should have a clear, intuitive navigational structure that is easy for users to understand and allows them to quickly find the information they need. This can be accomplished by using well-labelled navigation menus and drop-down menus, and by creating logical pathways between related pages.

2. Make sure the website is responsive: Healthcare websites should be designed with mobile responsiveness in mind, as more and more users are accessing websites from their phones and tablets. Responsive design ensures that the website looks good across all devices and that the user experience is consistent.

3. Use clean design elements: Keep design elements such as fonts, colours, and images simple and restrained. Busy visuals can be distracting and make it difficult for users to focus on the content.

4. Implement search functionality: Implementing a search box on the website allows users to quickly find the content they’re looking for without having to manually navigate through the website.

5. Utilize accessibility guidelines: Make sure the website is compliant with web accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.0. This ensures that everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, can access and use the website.

6. Include clear CTAs: Make sure to include clear Calls-to-Action on the website, which will allow users to easily take the next step and contact the healthcare provider or book an appointment online.

To go fruther on the topic

If you’d like to explore more on the topic of How to design for healthcare websites, we recommend the following litterature:

1. Usability and Accessibility of Health Care Websites: An Overview, by Manuela De Angeli, Anna Felder, and Kenneth Holmqvist
2. Designing for Healthcare: A Guide to Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare Systems, by John P. Hickey
3. Designing for Health: The Principles and Practice of Designing Health Websites, by David S. Haskin
4. Healthcare User Interface Design: Creating an Affordable, Sustainable, and Patient-Centered Experience, by Amy B. Wachs
5. Mobile Health: A Comprehensive Guide to Designing and Developing Mobile Health Solutions, by Ivan O. Rocha and Tanya K. Johnson
6. Designing and Implementing Healthcare Websites: Strategies and Best Practices, by Pauline E. Gray
7. Web Design for Health Professionals: A Practical Guide, by Melanie Brizee
8. Designing for Interaction: Creating Innovative Applications and Devices, by Dan Saffer
9. Designing Effective Health Interventions: An Evidence-Based Approach, by Sarah E. Nusser and Andres S. Martinez
10. Health Informatics: Designing for the Future, by David C. Briccetti